Ice Idioms and What They Mean
Ice idioms are cool ways to talk about starting conversations, facing danger, or showing strong feelings. These expressions come from how people describe cold, frozen, or risky situations. Here are 8 ice idioms, what they mean, and how to use them.
Break the ice
To start a conversation or make people feel more comfortable.
He told a joke to break the ice at the meeting.
We played a game to break the ice on the first day of school.
On thin ice
In a risky or dangerous situation.
He’s on thin ice with his teacher after being late again.
Don’t lie—you’re already on thin ice with your parents.
Put something on ice
To delay or pause something.
We’ll have to put the trip on ice until next month.
They put the project on ice because of budget problems.
The tip of the iceberg
Only a small part of a bigger problem.
This small issue is just the tip of the iceberg.
The noise is bad, but it’s just the tip of the iceberg—there’s more.
Ice in your veins
To stay calm and not show fear, even under pressure.
He has ice in his veins—he never panics.
The goalie showed ice in his veins during the big game.
Skating on thin ice
Doing something risky or that might get you in trouble.
You’re skating on thin ice by missing so many classes.
She’s skating on thin ice at work after the last mistake.
Cold as ice
Very unfriendly or unkind.
He didn’t smile—he was cold as ice.
Her words were cold as ice and made everyone feel bad.
Freeze out
To ignore or leave someone out on purpose.
They froze him out of the conversation.
I felt frozen out when they didn’t invite me.
